Last updated: 2026-10-10

GMC Canyon

GMC Canyon Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 73/100

Avoid the 2023 model year. Owners report forward collision braking that slams on with nothing ahead, plus coolant leaks at the upper radiator hose. The 2024 is the year to buy, though it has its own headlight flicker problem to check on any truck you view.

Verdict

Avoid
2023 66/100
Buy
2024 79/100
Model average
73/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

GMC Canyon Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the GMC Canyon average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202366/100Good351Electrical System (16)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2023 GMC Canyon

Owners describe the forward collision system braking hard with no threat ahead, sometimes to a full stop near 45 mph in traffic. Screens and the digital gauge cluster go black. Coolant also leaks from the upper radiator hose, and dealer software updates often fail to fix the electronics. Federal records list 3 recalls.

3 recalls51 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (16), Engine (5), Unknown Or Other (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (4), Steering (3), Structure (3)

View full 2023reliability report →

What Are Common GMC Canyon Problems?

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

144 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2023, 2018

2024: Headlights flicker off and on by themselves, often every minute or two, and some reports include the daytime running lights.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

61 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2023, 2018

2024: Headlight flicker makes up most of these reports, with dealers able to reproduce it but unable to repair it.

POWER TRAIN

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The 8-speed automatic shudders, often described as driving over rumble strips.

STEERING

17 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2024, 2023

2022: Power steering assist cuts out without warning, and a Service Power Steering message appears.

ENGINE

16 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2023, 2018

2024: Coolant leaks where the upper radiator hose connects to the radiator, and reports blame a failed O-ring or gasket.

SERVICE BRAKES

14 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025, 2023

2024: Two problems stand out.

Best GMC Canyon Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2024 GMC Canyon

The 2024 has been on the road long enough to show its problems, and the main one is headlight flicker rather than the false hard braking and screen blackouts reported on the 2023. It still needs a check for coolant leaks at the upper radiator hose before you buy.

Score: 79/100 (Good)3 recalls204 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 GMC Canyon has 3 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All GMC Canyon Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GMC Canyon years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2023. Owners report forward collision braking with nothing ahead, blank screens and gauge clusters, and coolant leaks at the upper radiator hose. Dealer software updates often did not fix the electronics, and some repairs waited on backordered parts.
Is the 2024 GMC Canyon a safe bet despite its complaints?
It is the site pick, but go in with open eyes. Most of its 204 complaints are headlights that flicker off and on, and dealers can reproduce it but often have no fix. Also check for coolant leaks at the upper radiator hose.
Which GMC Canyon years have transmission problems?
The data does not tie the shudder to one year. Power train is the top complaint area on the 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the 2018 has the most with 24. Owners across the model describe 8-speed shudder and harsh shifts.
Are the 2025 and 2026 GMC Canyon good used buys?
They are too new to judge. The 2025 has 8 owner complaints and the 2026 has none, but that mostly reflects less time on the road. The 2025 has 2 recalls in federal records. The 2024 is the better-documented choice.
Is the 2023 GMC Canyon part of a new generation?
Yes. The third generation began with the 2023 model year and covers 2023 and 2024. That means the 2024 shares its platform with the weaker 2023, so check both for radiator hose coolant leaks.

How we score every GMC Canyon model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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